Every two to three seconds, someone in this country needs blood, and the types most often in need are O-negative and O-positive. Having a strong supply of these blood types is critical to meeting patient needs. Although all types are necessary, the necessity for Type O donors to give regularly is essential to getting the right blood products to area patients. Type O-negative can be given in trauma situations when there is no time to cross-match the donor’s blood with the patient’s blood type.

The next opportunity to donate blood will be Thursday, April 12, from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Woonsocket Community Center, when Spirit of Faith Lutheran-Methodist Church will sponsor the drive. Contact Rachael at 770-5262 to make an appointment or call United Blood Services at 1-800-917-4929 for more information.

To save time, donors can now fill out their Health History Questionnaire online at www.unitedbloodservices.org the day of their donation. To be a donor, volunteers must be at least 16 years of age (16 & 17 year-old donors need a minor donor permit, which is available online) and be in good health.